The Atlantic and Southern Build Thread Continued, Part 4

[ACL1504]

I brushed in the chalks and then finished with a smooth Pan Pastel Sponge. The one of the right is finished and the one on the left is without weathering.

I tried something different on the slab. I used a sharp #11 blade and pulled up a thin layer of cardboard. I carefully tore it along the highway. I was trying for the look of a broken slab from the weight of citrus trucks. I have mixed feelings about the result. I can also have a truck parked over the area.



More in a few.

[ACL1504]

I started to install the Gusano sign but it was one sided. Doesn't make sense to have it face one way and not the other. The road in front is two way.





Continued -

[ACL1504]

To save time, I just copied the one side since it was already weathered. I cut the copy out and mounted it on thin card stock. I painted the edges with Floquil Weathered Black and glued it to the sign pole.





Done for today.

[tom.boyd.125]

Tom,
Like the changes you made on the diner.
Well done !
Your thread , now part 4 continues on and on too with many tips and great photos...
Tommy

[ACL1504]

Tom,
Like the changes you made on the diner.
Well done !
Your thread , now part 4 continues on and on too with many tips and great photos...
Tommy

Tommy,

Thank you for the nice compliment. I enjoy sharing the progress of the thread and how I made it come together to achieve the look I'm after.

I'll have a scenery update tomorrow with a list of all material used in the multiple steps in how I blend my scenery.

Again, thank you and stay safe.

Tom 

[ACL1504]

On a side note, I received an email a few days ago. The man wanted to know why I use so much green in the scenery.

NOTE: He is not a forum member but got my email off my thread. He stated he was/is a long time lurker and visits often. I asked/suggested that he join the fun so he could ask questions on the forum and skip the email.

Answer - About the green scenery.

The Atlantic and Southern is set in North Florida and South Georgia. It is Summer, hot and humid. Some of the flowering trees are in full bloom. Grasses and weeds are multiple shades of green with a few dead spots.

Historical note: Prior to 1952 or close to that date, the Florida automobile tags had a slogan of "Keep Florida Green".



This of course had nothing at all to do with the flora but rather keep it green by bringing in more of the fine folks from up north along with their money. Finally, the Florida Legislators changed to slogan to "The Sunshine State". Now you know. 

The state tags were stamped by the convicts at Florida State Prison at Raiford, Florida.

Tom 

[postalkarl]

Hey Tom:

Every thing look just great. Keep up the good work.

Karl

[tct855]

ACL-1504,
                So aren't you modeling around the 50's era?  I don't see any vehicles on your layout using the older or newer license plates.  What's up with that copper? I'm buckled up for your bitch slappin', oh wait seat belts weren't really a thing back then either - were they?  You have a fine day officer. 
                                                                                                                                                                                   KP-out...

[ACL1504]

Hey Tom:

Every thing look just great. Keep up the good work.

Karl

Karl,

Thank you and I'll keep it all going the best I can.

Tom 

[ACL1504]

ACL-1504,
                So aren't you modeling around the 50's era?  I don't see any vehicles on your layout using the older or newer license plates.  What's up with that copper? I'm buckled up for your bitch slappin', oh wait seat belts weren't really a thing back then either - were they?  You have a fine day officer. 
                                                                                                                                                                                   KP-out...

Thom,

Yes, around the early 50's. I have many vehicles to add plates to but that is a project for another time. Some cars in the early 50's had after market seat belts I didn't use them until I drove my dad's 1957 Thunderbird. He had them installed when I started driving at 16.

Appreciate you checking in.

Tom 

[NKP768]

Tom,
Ah the good old days - when it wasn't cruel and unusual to have those under the state's care and watchful eye provide some sort of service.....how things have changed. Now they go do their time and while incarcerated get a law degree and sue the state upon their release.

Doug

[ACL1504]

Doug,

Yes, now they get color TV, cold water and hot coffee not to mention hot chocolate. You forgot to mention the SOB's get a free law degree paid for the tax payers they committed crimes against. Now, under this POTUS you don't need to go to jail to get free services, just illegally enter the good Ole USA.

Tom 

[ACL1504]

I think scenery on any layout is in the eyes of the builder, time of year and area of the country you are modeling.  I'm in the South so there are lots of greenery, flowering plants and trees.

With the Atlantic and Southern RR, I've tried to make the scenery consistent throughout the layout build. It takes me about a week to ten days to do an area of roughly 2' X 7'. Although it took me over a month to do the river scene which is only 2' X 3'.

My process is the same for each section. I use many different colors, materials all in various layers.

I start out with painting white glue on the area to be scenicked.



Fast forward here and you can see I've moved on. After painting the white glue on the area where scenery is be added, I use Woodland Scenics Fine Turf Burnt Grass #T1344 for this. You can also use the WS turf as it only serves as a base for the actual scenery. This is the first layer.

The dirt portion is where the freight building goes.



I like this material as it settles in the white glue. I let it sit over night.

More in a few.

[ACL1504]

The next day I spray wet water on the WS Burnt Grass. I don't saturate the grass, just get it wet. I then use a large plastic eye dropper and apply mixed Matte Medium. You can get it already mixed in a gallon jug or get the concentrate and mix it your self. I use the premixed matte medium, save me mixing time but cost a little more.

I never find lost time. No, not my quote.

After the area is covered with the matte Medium I use several different materials for this layer

I'll start out by sprinkling on some Woodland Scenics Blended Turf/Green Blend. Depending on the batch made by WS you may notice a slight color difference from one production run to another. This is not a problem as it all gets blended into the scenery.

In the photo below, I've sprinkled on WS T49 Blended Turf, followed by Scenic Express Flock & Turf Grass Turf Blend #EX880C and then some EX Farm Pasture Blend #ES886C. These will also vary slightly in color from time to time.

I let this soak in over night. Layer two is done.



More in a few.

[ACL1504]

On the third day, I'll wet the area again with wet water and add more matte medium. I'll then add some SE Scrub Grass Blend #EX882C. I buy this is the 64 oz. containers as it is cheaper and you have plenty of time to know when your material is getting low.

I'll then add just a pinch of four different leaf blends to the scenery. I use NOCH Olive Green Leaf #NH07150, Light Green Leaf #NH07151, Medium Green Leaf #NH07152 and SE Fall Leaf color # SE6352. The leaf blends make great small weeds and also add a different look to the green scenery by having various colors on the ground.

All the materials used in the next photo are the ones listed above. Layer three complete.



Continued -